7 Things To Know About The A-7e Corsair Ii

The A-7E Corsair II is a single-seat, carrier-based attack aircraft developed by LTV Aerospace (now part of Northrop Grumman). The A-7E is an upgraded version of the A-7A, with improvements in avionics, radar, and armament capabilities. Here are seven things to know about the A-7E Corsair II:

Development and Design

The A-7E Corsair II was developed in the late 1960s as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk. The aircraft was designed to provide a more advanced and capable attack platform for the US Navy. The A-7E features a unique blend of speed, maneuverability, and payload capacity, making it an ideal aircraft for a variety of missions.

Key Features and Upgrades

The A-7E Corsair II features several key upgrades over its predecessor, the A-7A. These include:

Improved avionics, including a new radar system and advanced navigation equipment
Enhanced armament capabilities, including the ability to carry a wider range of missiles and bombs
Upgraded engines, providing increased power and efficiency
Improved cockpit design, featuring a new canopy and upgraded instrumentation

Operational History

The A-7E Corsair II entered service with the US Navy in 1967 and saw extensive action during the Vietnam War. The aircraft was used for a variety of missions, including ground attack, air-to-air combat, and reconnaissance. The A-7E also saw service during the Gulf War and the Balkans conflict.

Capabilities and Performance

The A-7E Corsair II is a highly capable aircraft, featuring a top speed of over Mach 0.9 and a range of over 2,000 miles. The aircraft is also highly maneuverable, making it an ideal platform for dogfighting and air-to-air combat. The A-7E can carry a wide range of missiles and bombs, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AGM-65 Maverick.

A-7E Corsair II with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles

Operators and Variants

The A-7E Corsair II was operated by several countries, including the US Navy, the Greek Air Force, and the Portuguese Air Force. The aircraft was also exported to several other countries, including Thailand and Venezuela. Several variants of the A-7E were produced, including the A-7E(TA), which featured a two-seat cockpit and was used for training purposes.

Legacy and Retirement

The A-7E Corsair II was retired from US Navy service in 1991, replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet. The aircraft remains in service with several foreign air forces, however. The A-7E's legacy is that of a highly capable and versatile attack aircraft, which played a significant role in several conflicts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the A-7E Corsair II is a highly capable and versatile attack aircraft, with a rich history and a proven track record of success. Its unique blend of speed, maneuverability, and payload capacity make it an ideal platform for a variety of missions.